Eutrophication of Fresh Waters

Eutrophication - the enrichment of waters by plant nutrients - is a problem throughout the world. Human settlements, effluents and agricultural activities all produce nitrogen and phosphorous in excess of natural background levels stimulating plant growth. This in turn causes major problems in waterbodies, such as blocking vital waterways, making water harder to treat for drinking supplies, decreasing oxygen levels making fish stocks harder to support (and in some cases killing the entire fauna), and reducing the value of water for amenity value. This book explains in clear language the causes and effects of eutrophication and examines in detail the management options available for waterways and lakes.